ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Codes of Training Naming the Child One of the prime responsibilities of the parents is the selection of a name for the new- born child. They should not treat this important thing as a triviality. Individuals and families are recognized with their names. If the name is affable the person will be well received by the people. Persons with unpleasant sounding names will not get good attention from others and sometimes even they might ridicule them.

The persons who are given improper names will be victims of inferiority complex. Therefore Islam requires the parents to exercise care in selecting good names for their children. The Holy Prophet has said: It is the responsibility of every father to choose a good name for his child. [1] The Prophet also said: The children have three rights over their fathers. The first is that they are given good names. Secondly, they are provided good education; and lastly, they help them to select good spouses.

[2] Imam Moosa Kazim said: The first good that a father does to his child is that [1] Mustadrak, Vol. 2, Page 618. [2] Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 104, Page 92. he selects a worthy name for him. [1] On the other hand the name of a person has a lot of social significance too. It is his name, which gets recognition to a person that he belongs to a respectable family. If the parents have high regard for a well- known poet, they may name their child after him.

If the parents are fond of high learning they may select the name of a reputed scholar. The highly religious parents name their children after the prophets, the Imams and other religious personalities. If the parents desire their children to struggle in the cause of the faith, they name them after Mohammed, Ali, Hasan, Hussain, Abul Fazl, Abbas, Hamza, Ja'far, Abu Dhar, Ammar, Saeed etc.

If the parents are enamored of any sport they like to name their children after renowned players of that sport. Similarly if the parents appreciate the art of any musician, they may prefer to name their child after that person. When the nature of the parents is tyrannical, they take pride in naming the child after historical personalities like Alexander, Changez, Timor etc.

It is noticed that while naming the child the parents generally associate themselves with certain groups and people of the past this will have a definite impact on the nature and thinking of the child when he grows up.